Fire destroys Charity house

A family of four is now counting their losses after a fire destroyed the top half of their home at Charity, Essequibo Coast, this morning (Sunday, April 19, 2025).

The blaze occurred between 07:15 hours and 08:30 hours at the David James Scheme, Charity residence in Region Two (Pomeroon-Supenaam).

The two-storey wooden and concrete house was occupied by Deodat Maniram, a 38-year-old truck driver, along with his 38-year-old wife, Shereema Maniram, and their two daughters, ages 10 and 8 years.

Based on information reaching this publication, the upper flat was completely destroyed by the fire, while the lower flat was partially damaged.

In the upper flat, the family had a religious altar located next to a window fitted with a cloth curtain.

The housewife told police investigators that around 07:15 hours, she lit an agarbatti and a diya at the altar as part of her usual morning prayer ritual and then went to the lower flat along with her daughters, while her husband left for work.

She further stated that at about 08:30 hours, she heard a noise coming from the upper flat. As a result, her eldest daughter went to inspect and observed the upper flat on fire. The child immediately raised an alarm.

Shereema said she attempted to extinguish the fire, which had already spread to the window curtains and surrounding areas; however, her efforts were unsuccessful, and the Guyana Fire Service was contacted.

A crew from the Charity Fire Station responded at about 09:20 hours, and the blaze was subsequently extinguished. No injuries were reported.